Abstract: A simulation apparatus is provided comprising a fixed main body; a carriage associated with the main body for movement relative to the main body; a first device coupled to the fixed main body for engaging a workpiece; a second device coupled to the carriage for movement with the carriage and for engaging the workpiece; at least one motor apparatus coupled to the fixed main body and the carriage for effecting movement of the carriage and the second device relative to the main body such that a tensile load is applied to the workpiece; sensor apparatus comprising at least one force sensor for sensing the tensile load applied to the workpiece during the movement of the second device; and a drive controller.

Abstract: A base member formed of rubber or the like, which transmits ultrasound waves, includes a storage portion with a small width connected with a storage portion with a great width, wherein internal organ models, formed of animal internal organs or the like, such as an esophagus model, stomach model, and the like, are stored in these storage portions. A jelly-like member, which transmits ultrasound waves, is filled in around the internal organ models. An ultrasonic endoscope or the like can be inserted through an inserting hole so as to obtain ultrasonic images generally the same as with a case of inserting the ultrasonic endoscope or the like into a human body, thereby providing a training device which can be easily used.

Abstract: A design template includes a torso section being one of a group of a large male, medium male and small female having each being one of a group of an ERECT posture, a NEUTRAL posture and a SLUMPED posture. The design template also includes at least one cross-sectional section cooperating with the torso section at an anatomical landmark to provide a three-dimensional design template used for designing, evaluating, and measuring human occupant accommodation and seating in a seated environment.

Abstract: A test apparatus provides pulsatile flows that replicate the human cardiovascular system for qualifying implantable cardiovascular devices before implantation in a patient. A pump provides flow pulses to a mock left ventricle, a mock aortic valve, and a mock aorta. A loop from the ventricle to the aorta bypasses the mock aortic valve and affords connection of the test device. The mock aorta comprises elastic tube sections serially connected in progressively diminishing diameters, and interconnected by adjustable flow restrictors. Each elastic tube section shows about 7% to 12% inside-diameter expansion for 100 mm mercury step increase. A designer's choice over the elasticity of the tube sections and a user's control over the flow restrictor(s) allows the user to shape various target waveforms in regards of flowrate and pressure against time as well as the peaks and drop-off forms in addition.

Abstract: A measurement system is provided for a ball joint of a crash test dummy. The measurement system includes a light source operatively supported by a movable ball of the ball joint and a position sensitive detector operatively supported by a fixed member of the ball joint. The measurement system also includes a controller electrically connected to the light source to provide power to the light source for emitting light and electrically connected to the position sensitive detector that receives the emitted light to measure at least two angles between the ball and the fixed member.

Abstract: A device for measuring the flux received by a specimen in fire test apparatuses has a copper disk or plate of the same dimensions and the same type of surface coating as a typical material specimen, an embedded heating coil and thermocouple, and an insulated sample holder similar to that used for a specimen. The transient response of the embedded thermocouple is measured for several different levels of imposed incident radiation without electrical heating and for several different known levels of electrical heating without any imposed radiation. The principle of Electrical Substitution Radiometry (ESR) is applied, and the transient responses to incident radiation and electrical heating under identical thermal conditions are compared to determine the amount of incident radiation that is actually absorbed by the device while it is being irradiated. The situations are kept thermally identical, thereby insuring that all effects due to heat losses (e.g. convection, radiation and conduction) are exactly the same.

Abstract: A method of balancing a rotary device (12,14) for balanced rotational operation when connected to a drive shaft (24) by a flexible coupling (26,28). The method comprises the steps of connecting a drive shaft simulator (32,34) to a rotary device (12,14) and, rotating the said device (12,14) to simulate drive shaft unbalance due to misalignment of the rotary device (12,14) and the drive shaft (24) being simulated when the drive shaft (24) and rotary device (12,14) are connected together.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a material is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus is an adjustable artificial arm for transmitting fluid into the material. An artificial skin, for example, is removably attached to the artificial arm, and the material is placed over the artificial skin. The fluid is insulted into the material proximate the artificial skin. The artificial skin is evaluated for wetness or dryness to prescreen the material. In another aspect, an artificial torso is provided through which fluid is transmitted and insulted into the material for evaluation.

Abstract: A surrogate for testing an effect of physical trauma on a whole or portion of a natural biological animal body where the surrogate has a surrogate bone or bones and material replicating the effect of flesh around such a bone or bones. Also disclosed are further parts of a natural body which are replicated with surrogate materials in a surrogate construction including skin, tendons, arteries, and joints between bones as well as sensors for measuring the effect of any trauma caused.

Abstract: A hand assembly for a dummy is provided which comprises a housing, a finger assembly operatively mounted to the housing, and a biasing member configured to bias the finger assembly such that the finger assembly generates a grasping force. The biasing member being mounted to the housing, and a connecting member rotatably mounted to the housing where the connecting member is connected to a forearm of the dummy.

Abstract: A cardiac phantom is provided for simulating a dynamic cardiac ventricle. The phantom comprises two concentrically-disposed, fluid-tight, flexible membranes defining a closed space between the walls of the membranes. A pump is operatively connected to the inner membrane for reciprocally delivering a volume of fluid to the inner membrane to inflate and deflate both membranes in simulating systole and diastole of a heart. A medium is disposed within the closed space defined between the walls of the membranes for maintaining a uniform distance between the walls of the membranes during inflation and deflation. The phantom is provided for evaluation of medical imaging systems. A method, computer system and a computer-readable medium are also provided for controlling the phantom.

Abstract: A design template includes a torso section being one of a group of a 95th percentile male, 50th percentile male and 5th percentile female having each being one of a group of an ERECT posture, a NEUTRAL posture and a SLUMPED posture.

Abstract: An evaluation apparatus is provided for pre-screening a material for use in an absorbent article. The evaluation apparatus includes a simulated body part having a simulated skin substrate. The material is placed on or near the simulated skin substrate, and a predetermined amount of simulated physiological fluid is insulted into the material at a pre-measured location. After a predetermined time, the simulated skin substrate is removed from the body part and fluid loss measurements are taken.

Abstract: A simulation method of estimating performance of a product made of a viscoelastic material, comprising the steps of measuring a value of a strain, a strain speed, and a stress generated in viscoelastic material momently in a measuring condition equivalent to a state in which the product is actually used; deriving time history data of a viscosity resistance of the viscoelastic material separately in each of a strain increase state and a strain decrease state from time history data of the strain, the strain speed, and the stress and a viscoelastic model set in consideration of a viscosity of the viscoelastic material; setting the product as a product model whose performance is analyzed and inputting a relationship among the strain, the strain speed, and the viscosity resistance to the product model to conduct a simulation in consideration of a phenomenon that the viscosity resistance changes in dependence on a variation of the strain and the strain speed and in consideration of a difference in the viscosity res

Abstract: A flow system device used for testing/creating fluid flow. The system comprises at least one fluid filled loop and a rotor stage for maintaining at least one rotor. The loop is positioned on the rotor. The device also includes a driving motor for rotating the rotor stage and a motion controller for controlling the speed and directional motion of the motor.

Abstract: A simulation press is provided comprising a fixed main body; a carriage associated with the main body for movement relative to the main body; a first plate coupled to the fixed main body and being adapted to engage a workpiece; and a second plate coupled to the carriage for movement with the carriage. The second plate is also adapted to engage the workpiece. One or more motor apparatus are coupled to the fixed main body and the carriage for effecting movement of the carriage relative to the main body. A drive controller is coupled to the motor apparatus for controlling the operation of the motor apparatus in response to feedback from one or more feedback sensors so as to cause the second plate to move relative to the first plate such that the first and second plates engage at least one point site on the workpiece so as to simulate compression loading of a point site on a workpiece in a nip type process.

Abstract: A simulation apparatus is provided comprising a fixed main body; a carriage associated with the main body for movement relative to the main body; a first device coupled to the fixed main body for engaging a workpiece; a second device coupled to the carriage for movement with the carriage and for engaging the workpiece; at least one motor apparatus coupled to the fixed main body and the carriage for effecting movement of the carriage and the second device relative to the main body such that a tensile load is applied to the workpiece; sensor apparatus comprising at least one force sensor for sensing the tensile load applied to the workpiece during the movement of the second device; and a drive controller.

Abstract: The invention provides a class of samples that model the human body. This family of samples is based upon emulsions of oil in water with lecithin acting as the emulsifier. These solutions that have varying particle sizes may be spiked with basis set components (albumin, urea and glucose) to simulate skin tissues further. The family of samples is such that other organic compounds such as collagen, elastin, globulin and bilirubin may be added, as can salts such as Na+, K+and Cl−. Layers of varying thickness with known index of refraction and particle size distributions may be generated using simple crosslinking reagents, such as collagen (gelatin). The resulting samples are flexible in each analyte's concentration and match the skin layers of the body in terms of the samples reduced scattering and absorption coefficients, &mgr;'s and &mgr;a. This family of samples is provided for use in the medical field where lasers and spectroscopy based analyzers are used in treatment of the body.

Abstract: A method of balancing a rotary device (12, 14) for balanced rotational operation when connected to a drive shaft (24) by a flexible coupling (26,28). The method comprises the steps of connecting a drive shaft simulator (32,34) to a rotary device (12, 14) and, rotating the said device (12, 14) to simulate drive shaft unbalance due to misalignment of the rotary device (12, 14) and the drive shaft (24) being simulated when the drive shaft (24) and rotary device (12, 14) are connected together.

Abstract: An evaluation apparatus is provided for pre-screening a material for use in an absorbent article. The evaluation apparatus includes a simulated body part having a simulated skin substrate. The material is placed on or near the simulated skin substrate, and a predetermined amount of simulated physiological fluid is insulted into the material at a pre-measured location. After a predetermined time, the simulated skin substrate is removed from the body part and fluid loss measurements are taken.

Abstract: A design template includes a torso section being one of a group of a 95th percentile male, 50th percentile male and 5th percentile female having each being one of a group of an ERECT posture, a NEUTRAL posture and a SLUMPED posture.

Abstract: An apparatus (30) and method (80) for predicting electrical property stability of a thin film or conductive substrate (14) prior to multi-probe testing. The present invention utilizes a nanoindenter type device (10) obtaining mechanical properties as a function of displacement depth and applied load into the bond pad surface to accurately predict electrical property stability of the entire substrate or sample under test. In addition, the present invention includes a nanoindenter type device (10) including a second probe (34) having the ability to measure localized electrical properties of the sample while obtaining the mechanical property measurements. This additional electrical measurement is correlated with the mechanical property measurements to accurately predict electrical property stability of the entire conductive substrate, preferably by predicting the presence of an unwanted material surface layer.

Abstract: A neonate dummy make it possible to sense or measure a movement of the head of a neonate, the values of impacts applied to the thoracic part and the abdominal part (including the lumbar part) of the neonate, and the value or magnitude of the effect on the cervical vertebrae, as well as to clarify the mechanism of cervical disorder resulting from an impact in a car crash or the like. This neonate dummy includes a head part, a body part (including a lumbar part), arm parts and leg parts. A bar-shaped backbone member corresponding to the backbone of a neonate is provided in the body part (including a lumbar part), and a neck part is formed on an upper region of the backbone member. A triaxial acceleration sensor is provided on the centroidal position of the head part.

Abstract: Tissue mimicking materials for elastography phantoms have elastic, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance characteristics that are characteristic of human soft tissues and well suited for the calibration and performance assessment of elastography imaging systems. In one embodiment, the material is formed from a base material containing an oil dispersed within a gel matrix and at least one inclusion formed from a gel. In another embodiment, the material is formed from a gel-forming material suffused throughout an open-cell reticulated mesh matrix.

Abstract: An anthropomorphic dummy head for use in a vehicle crash test is provided that includes a skull member forming a shape of the dummy head and an eye damage measuring part for estimating damage to an eye, wherein the eye damage measuring part comprises a housing disposed inside the skull member, the housing being closed and filled with compressible gas; a one-side-open cylinder that is fixed to a circumference of the housing; a piston that is slidably inserted into the one-side-open cylinder, one end of which is provided with a plate onto which an impact from an outside of the housing is transmitted; and a pressure sensor detecting pressure inside the housing.

Abstract: A design template includes a torso section being one of a group of a large male, medium male and small female having each being one of a group of an ERECT posture, a NEUTRAL posture and a SLUMPED posture.

Abstract: Pressure is measured inside of a high pressure vehicle. A substance is compressed at a first pressure to create a preform having a first density. The preform is placed inside of a high pressure vessel and subjected to a second pressure, greater than the first pressure. The preform therefore changes in density to a second density, greater than the first density, whereby the second pressure can be determined. The method may also be used in determining the pressure inside of a food product during food processing and a high pressure vessel.

Abstract: A cardiac phantom is provided for simulating a dynamic cardiac ventricle. The phantom comprises two concentrically-disposed, fluid-tight, flexible membranes defining a closed space between the walls of the membranes. A pump is operatively connected to the inner membrane for reciprocally delivering a volume of fluid to the inner membrane to inflate and deflate both membranes in simulating systole and diastole of a heart. A medium is disposed within the closed space defined between the walls of the membranes for maintaining a uniform distance between the walls of the membranes during inflation and deflation. The phantom is provided for evaluation of medical imaging systems. A method, computer system and a computer-readable medium are also provided for controlling the phantom.

Abstract: A directory services system, such as one providing a X.500 or LDAP directory service, having a design and a method of operation which facilitates queries in and out of the directory, table organisation/layout and clustering. In the arrangement of the directory service, tables are organized corresponding to their function, thereby permitting an arrangement based on service modeling and functional organisation that permits clustering. A preferred layout design incorporates principal, conceptual, logical and/or physical designs.

Abstract: A cardiac phantom is provided for simulating a dynamic cardiac ventricle. The phantom comprises two concentrically-disposed, fluid-tight, flexible membranes defining a closed space between the walls of the membranes. A pump is operatively connected to the inner membrane for reciprocally delivering a volume of fluid to the inner membrane to inflate and deflate both membranes in simulating systole and diastole of a heart. A medium is disposed within the closed space defined between the walls of the membranes for maintaining a uniform distance between the walls of the membranes during inflation and deflation. The phantom is provided for evaluation of medical imaging systems. A method, computer system and a computer-readable medium are also provided for controlling the phantom.

Abstract: Tissue-mimicking material suitable for phantoms for use with at least ultrasound and MRI have sections of material in contact with each other which mimic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging properties of human tissues, and preferably also computed tomography properties, so that the phantom can be used for the testing of imaging by various types of medical imagers. A suitable tissue-mimicking material for use in phantoms of this type includes an aqueous mixture of large organic water soluble molecules, a copper salt, a chelating agent for binding the copper ions in the salt, and a gel-forming material. Small glass beads may be intermixed therewith to provide a selected ultrasound attenuation coefficient without substantially affecting the MRI properties of the material. Larger glass beads may be used in a section to control primarily the ultrasound backscatter coefficient without significant effect on the ultrasound attenuation coefficient.

Abstract: A cardiac phantom is provided for simulating a dynamic cardiac ventricle. The phantom comprises two concentrically-disposed, fluid-tight, flexible membranes defining a closed space between the walls of the membranes. A pump is operatively connected to the inner membrane for reciprocally delivering a volume of fluid to the inner membrane to inflate and deflate both membranes in simulating systole and diastole of a heart. A medium is disposed within the closed space defined between the walls of the membranes for maintaining a uniform distance between the walls of the membranes during inflation and deflation. The phantom is provided for evaluation of medical imaging systems. A method, computer system and a computer-readable medium are also provided for controlling the phantom.

Abstract: A surrogate for testing an effect of physical trauma on a whole or portion of a natural biological animal body where the surrogate has a surrogate bone or bones and material replicating the effect of flesh around such a bone or bones. Also disclosed are further parts of a natural body which are replicated with surrogate materials in a surrogate construction including skin, tendons, arteries, and joints between bones as well as sensors for measuring the effect of any trauma caused.

Abstract: An improved method for simulating an oxidative aging of an asphalt sample comprises accumulating a number of samples from the asphalt load under test. The samples are initially heated by convection and microwave units to a common temperature. Subsequently, the samples are incrementally, as heated in a “ramp” control heating, from 27° C. to 147° C. over a 60-minute period. Subsequently, the samples are microwave heated for three successive 60-minute periods and one 30-minute period under a pressure of 440 psi. Upon pressure release, a subsequent short convection heating and subsequent degassing, a resulting aged residue is presented which is equivalent to residue provided by known conventional tests but at a reduced time period.

Abstract: In a light-emitting-diode lamp, there is provided an input impedance-changing circuit for establishing a low input impedance circuit when the light-emitting-diode lamp is missingline turned off. This input impedance-changing circuiting comprises Shunt circuit section, and a detector circuit section. The shunt circuit section includes a low impedance element and a controllable switching device connected in series. The detector circuit section detects turning off of the light-emitting-diode lamp and, in response to such detection, close the switching device to thereby cause electric current to flow through the shunt circuit section in order to simulate lower input impedance of the light-emitting-diode lamp. When the light-emitting-diode lamp replaces a conventional traffic signal incandescent lamp, the input impedance-changing circuitry prevents the conflict monitor of the already installed traffic-light lamp system to detect a high lamp impedance and accordingly a faulty lamp.

Abstract: An instrumented torso model that simulates anatomical features and measures the effects on a body caused by various types of impacts. Simulated bone having material properties similar to that of healthy human bone is surrounded by simulated tissue. At least one sensor array is attached to either or both of the simulated bone and the simulated tissue for measuring the effects of the impacts.

Abstract: A method for estimating the life of an apparatus under a random stress amplitude variation, involving determining a probability density function of a cumulated damage quantity and estimating the life of the apparatus on the basis of the probability density function, characterized by: approximating a damage coefficient indicative of a damage quantity per unit by a linear expression when the random stress amplitude variation is in a narrow band; and representing the random stress amplitude variation &sgr;(t)(instantaneous) in terms of the sum of a time averaged value &sgr;(t)(mean) and a stochastic variation &sgr;′.

Abstract: A thermal manikin has a closed perforated rigid frame covered by a breathable fabric extending over the frame and forming arms and legs. Water passages and a pump inside the manikin direct water around the manikin to simulate natural blood flow. The manikin is provided with a controller and sensor for measuring conditions inside and outside the manikin that enables simultaneous determination of Clo (thermal resistance of clothing placed on the manikin) and Im (the permeability index of the clothing).

Abstract: A cardiac phantom is provided for simulating a dynamic cardiac ventricle. The phantom comprises two concentrically-disposed, fluid-tight, flexible membranes defining a closed space between the walls of the membranes. A pump is operatively connected to the inner membrane for reciprocally delivering a volume of fluid to the inner membrane to inflate and deflate both membranes in simulating systole and diastole of a heart. A medium is disposed within the closed space defined between the walls of the membranes for maintaining a uniform distance between the walls of the membranes during inflation and deflation. The phantom is provided for evaluation of medical imaging systems. A method, computer system and a computer-readable medium are also provided for controlling the phantom.

Abstract: An ultrasound phantom simulating hard and soft tissue of a vertebrate and methods of production and use of same. The ultrasound phantom includes a hard tissue derived from a second vertebrate organism and a material covering at least a portion thereof. The material has ultrasonic properties similar to those of soft tissue. Also disclosed is a method of producing an ultrasound phantom simulating hard and soft tissue of a first vertebrate organism. The method includes the steps of removing a hard tissue from a second vertebrate organism and covering at least a portion thereof with a material. Also disclosed is a method of testing an ultrasonic diagnostic system. The method includes the steps of transmitting a train of ultrasonic energy towards a phantom of the present invention, receiving a portion of the train of ultrasonic energy and analyzing the received portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a class of samples that model the human body. This family of samples is based upon emulsions of oil in water with lecithin acting as the emulsifier. These solutions that have varying particle sizes may be spiked with basis set components (albumin, urea and glucose) to simulate skin tissues further. The family of samples is such that other organic compounds such as collagen, elastin, globulin and bilirubin may be added, as can salts such as Na+, K+ and Cl−. Layers of varying thickness with known index of refraction and particle size distributions may be generated using simple crosslinking reagents, such as collagen (gelatin). The resulting samples are flexible in each analyte's concentration and match the skin layers of the body in terms of the samples reduced scattering and absorption coefficients, &mgr;ms and &mgr;ma. This family of samples is provided for use in the medical field where lasers and spectroscopy based analyzers are used in treatment of the body.

Abstract: An improved rib assembly for a crash test dummy includes a U-shaped outer member which simulates a pair of ribs secured to a spine and a pair of transverse assemblies disposed in parallel and coupled between such opposed ribs. A first assembly is a spring centered damper which provides simulated resistance to displacement of one rib relative to another. A second assembly includes a spring biased piston and cylinder that provides simulated positioning of the rib ends. A sensor disposed generally between the two assemblies measures the displacement of one of the pair of ribs relative to the other. The piston rod is supported upon a pair of linear ball bearing assemblies which maintains alignment between these two assemblies and ensures accurate responsive motion therebetween without binding and thus accurate measurements of displacement. A plurality of U-shaped rib assemblies, typically three, may be utilized to simulate a rib cage in a crash test dummy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a constituent sensing system including a container for holding a flowable product. A moveable member is positioned within the container for moving the flowable product within the container in a manner which simulates a flow of the flowable product. A probe is positioned proximate to the moving flowable product for analyzing the moving flowable product.

Abstract: The fire resistance of components normally subject to a standard flame test is evaluated using low temperature model tests. Reynolds number, Froude number, the pressure ratio of the flame to the surrounding atmosphere are matched in the modelling parameters and account is taken of the Prandtl number. Also, the model flow is controlled so as to match the change of momentum flux ratio in the flow through the burner used in a standard flame test. The method allows testing of easily produced model components at temperatures less than 90° C., with savings of cost and time.

Abstract: An anthropomorphic dummy head for use in a vehicle crash test is provided that includes a skull member forming a shape of the dummy head and an eye damage measuring part for estimating damage to an eye, wherein the eye damage measuring part comprises a housing disposed inside the skull member, the housing being closed and filled with compressible gas; a one-side-open cylinder that is fixed to a circumference of the housing; a piston that is slidably inserted into the one-side-open cylinder, one end of which is provided with a plate onto which an impact from an outside of the housing is transmitted; and a pressure sensor detecting pressure inside the housing.

Abstract: An analysis system and method provide for quantitatively evaluating image quality characteristics of an ultrasound imaging machine that evaluates at least one image representation of a standard phantom acquired by the image machine. The machine under test by comparing acquired parameters with prestored values, and returning a determined set of image quality indices, along with a single index representing an arithmetic combination of all other image quality indices, which indicate the accuracy of the test image relative to a “gold standard” that has been pre-established for the model of imaging machine under investigation. The system, which includes a computer-programmed set of instructions and data, optionally includes at least one standard phantom.

Abstract: A tissue mimicking material for ultrasound phantoms has ultrasound speed and attenuation characteristics that are characteristic of human tissue and well suited for use in measuring and calibrating the potential biological effects of ultrasound equipment. The material is formed of an aqueous mixture of large organic water soluble molecules condensed from skim milk with a total solids content in the range of 10% to 30% by weight. The total fat content is less than 1% by weight, with the residual lipid particles of a size sufficiently small to remain in suspension without agglomerating and separating from the mixture over extended periods of time.

Abstract: A method of calibrating sensitivities of a plurality of pressure sensing cells are disposed at a passenger seat to detect presence of a vehicle passenger.

Abstract: A topographic model useful to design and synthesize memory-enhancing substances is disclosed. Administration of substances designed by this method to enhance memory in mammals, including humans, is disclosed. Such substances include peptides having the amino acid sequence Val Phe Phe.

Abstract: Tissue-mimicking material suitable for phantoms for use with at least ultrasound and MRI have sections of material in contact with each other which mimic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging properties of human tissues, and preferably also computed tomography properties, so that the phantom can be used for the testing of imaging by various types of medical imagers. A suitable tissue-mimicking material for use in phantoms of this type includes an aqueous mixture of large organic water soluble molecules, a copper salt, a chelating agent for binding the copper ions in the salt, and a gel-forming material. Small glass beads may be intermixed therewith to provide a selected ultrasound attenuation coefficient without substantially affecting the MRI properties of the material. Larger glass beads may be used in a section to control primarily the ultrasound backscatter coefficient without significant effect on the ultrasound attenuation coefficient.